Affordable 12-Day Relaxed Wales Road Trip Vacation from Cardiff to Swansea and Merthyr Tydfil

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Wales begins when you reach Cardiff, where you’ll stay for a total of 5 nights.

Cardiff is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Alexandra Gardens. Around 548 visitors have rated this fascinating park and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Cardiff offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

An excellent example is The Botanist Bar & Restaurant Cardiff. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 774 customers.

Elevens Bar And Grill serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Cardiff has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 787 reviews.

Old Arcade is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,079 customers, Old Arcade is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Cardiff looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Pennyroyal, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 151 reviews.

The Borough Arms offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Cardiff. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 802 customers.

Locals like unwinding at The Libertine Cocktail Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 213 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Wales! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Wales!

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 4 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous St Fagans National Museum of History. This incredible open-air museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 10,708 travelers, and is visited by 610,155 people every year.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Wales. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Wales extra special!

One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Cafe Citta. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 504 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Clayton Hotel Cardiff, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Clayton Hotel Cardiff is rated 4.2 stars out of 5 by 2,259 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Pasture Restaurant Cardiff. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 697 food lovers.

Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular The Great Western - JD Wetherspoon. This vibrant bar is rated 4 out of 5 stars by 4,066 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Rum & Fizz. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 108 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Kongs Cardiff. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Kongs Cardiff has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 915 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Wales, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 3 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Roath Park. This incredible park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,598 travelers.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 3 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Wales. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Wales extra special!

One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Pettigrew Tea Rooms - Bute Park. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 759 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at The Prince of Wales - JD Wetherspoon, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. The Prince of Wales - JD Wetherspoon is rated 4.1 stars out of 5 by 6,543 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Servini's at The Summerhouse. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 403 food lovers.

Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Lab 22. This vibrant bar is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 493 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular The Dead Canary. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 700 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks.

Enjoy the rest of day 3 of your relaxed road trip across Wales, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Hailey Park. This incredible park has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 880 travelers.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 4 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Wales. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Wales extra special!

One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Premier Inn Cardiff City Centre (Queen Street) hotel. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 2,001 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Bill's Cardiff Central Restaurant, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Bill's Cardiff Central Restaurant is rated 4.3 stars out of 5 by 2,663 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended The Potted Pig. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 492 food lovers.

Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks.

Enjoy the rest of day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Wales, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 5 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Wales gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Swansea, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 4 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Cosmeston Lakes Country Park & Medieval Village is waiting for you. This park has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,637 visitors.

There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Wales. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Swansea. In Swansea, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Wales.

After a long day of driving and exploring along your relaxed road trip route, sitting down for a well-cooked restaurant meal in Sully and Lavernock is an excellent idea.

A popular restaurant we recommend you try is The Perch, one of the best restaurants in Sully and Lavernock. With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 180 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing The Perch.

Locals also recommend Pant-y-Gwydr restaurant as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Pant-y-Gwydr restaurant as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 215 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Turtle Bay Swansea. Turtle Bay Swansea is another of the most popular places to eat in Sully and Lavernock. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,808 customers.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the neighborhood.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Popworld Swansea. Popworld Swansea is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 300 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is No Sign Wine Bar. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 879 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Copper. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Copper is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 335 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Wales!

One of the city’s best travel destinations is a fascinating bay, the stunning Three Cliffs Bay. Around 398 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Swansea for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of Wales by eating at one of the best restaurants in Swansea.

With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 423 customers, the dining experience Steak By Night offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in Wales.

The River House is another pleasant place to eat in Swansea. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 671 customers.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that locals enjoy, check out Premier Inn Swansea City Centre hotel and try their flavorful menu. This local favorite has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 887 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At The Hanbury, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Swansea is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 164 customers.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in Wales is all about!

On day 7 of your relaxed road trip across Wales, you’ll explore the area around Swansea, where you’ll be staying for another 2 nights. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Swansea will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Wales.

One of the city’s best travel destinations is a fascinating museum, the stunning Swansea Museum. Around 677 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Wales by joining a traveler-approved tour in Swansea. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Swansea and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Swansea that will make your self-drive tour in Wales more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Swansea to find the best options for you!

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Swansea for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of Wales by eating at one of the best restaurants in Swansea.

With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 324 customers, the dining experience Gershwins Coffee House offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in Wales.

Swansea Grand Theatre is another pleasant place to eat in Swansea. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,017 customers.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that locals enjoy, check out Belle Vue Bistro Swansea ltd and try their flavorful menu. This local favorite has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 284 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in Wales is all about!

On day 8 of your relaxed road trip across Wales, you’ll explore the area around Swansea, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Swansea will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Wales.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Wales by joining a traveler-approved tour in Swansea. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Swansea and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Swansea that will make your self-drive tour in Wales more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Swansea to find the best options for you!

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Swansea for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of Wales by eating at one of the best restaurants in Swansea.

With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 283 customers, the dining experience Hanson at the Chelsea Restaurant offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in Wales.

The New Slow Boat Cantonese Restaurant is another pleasant place to eat in Swansea. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 113 customers.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that locals enjoy, check out Bouchon De Rossi and try their flavorful menu. This local favorite has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 452 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in Wales is all about!

Day 9 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Wales gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the hamlet of Margam. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Merthyr Tydfil, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 2 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Margam Castle is waiting for you. This country house has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,585 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Margam has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Wales. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Merthyr Tydfil. In Merthyr Tydfil, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Wales.

After a long day of driving and exploring along your relaxed road trip route, sitting down for a well-cooked restaurant meal in Glyncorrwg is an excellent idea.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the neighborhood.

This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations.

This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Wales!

On day 10 of your relaxed road trip across Wales, you’ll explore the area around Abercanaid, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Abercanaid will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Wales.

One of the city’s best travel destinations is a fascinating cafe, the stunning BikePark Wales. Around 2,688 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Wales by joining a traveler-approved tour in Abercanaid. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Abercanaid and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Abercanaid that will make your self-drive tour in Wales more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Abercanaid to find the best options for you!

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Merthyr Tydfil for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of Wales by eating at one of the best restaurants in Merthyr Tydfil.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in Wales is all about!

Day 11 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Wales gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Cardiff, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Parc Cwm Darran is waiting for you. This park has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 765 visitors.

There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Wales. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Cardiff. In Cardiff, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Wales.

After a long day of driving and exploring along your relaxed road trip route, sitting down for a well-cooked restaurant meal in Ystrad Mynach is an excellent idea.

A popular restaurant we recommend you try is Mowgli Street Food, one of the best restaurants in Ystrad Mynach. With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 573 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Mowgli Street Food.

Locals also recommend The Clink Restaurant Cardiff as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at The Clink Restaurant Cardiff as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 366 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Angel Hotel Cardiff. Angel Hotel Cardiff is another of the most popular places to eat in Ystrad Mynach. This restaurant has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 1,598 customers.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations.

This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Wales!

Day 12 of your relaxed road trip in Wales is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Cardiff.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Cardiff once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Wales on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Bute Park is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Cardiff. This top sight is a popular park, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,423 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 12 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Cardiff or just grab something light to keep you going.

Check out the menu at Bar 44 Cardiff. Dining at Bar 44 Cardiff is one of the best food experiences you can have in Cardiff. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 733 customers.

Another top recommendation in Cardiff is The Alchemist Cardiff. If you go to The Alchemist Cardiff, you can expect delicious food, a nice ambiance, and great service. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,213 customers.

Alternatively, you could also go to a place like Park Plaza Cardiff. If you haven’t yet, a trip to Park Plaza Cardiff is your opportunity to have a lovely meal before leaving the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,689 customers.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Cardiff and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 12-day relaxed road trip in Wales is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.